PH gov't launches Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda in WPS

The Philippine government has launched the ''Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda'' (KBBM) program near Bajo De Masinloc to ensure food security and stability in the region.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the deployment of government fish carrier M/V Mamalakaya enables the direct purchase of fresh catch from Filipino fisherfolk at sea.

''Bukod sa pagbili ng huli ay magbibigay rin ito ng subsidiya sa krudo at yelo bilang tulong sa mga mangingisdang nahihirapan sa transportasyon at iba pang gastusin,'' Castro said.

(Aside from direct purchase of fresh catch, this will also provide fuel and ice subsidies as help for our local fishermen.)

The said program is in line with President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s instruction to ensure food security and maritime development in the West Philippine Sea.

Citing information from Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Castro said a total of 120 fishermen and 11 fishing vessels have benefitted from the said program.

This program will also help in strengthening the presence of Philippine forces in the resource-rich region, according to Castro. — BAP, GMA Integrated News